Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to read text, process it, and understand its meaning. Reading comprehension is a multi-tiered task reliant on several sub-skills in order for a student to be successful. If word recognition is difficult, students use too much of their processing capacity to read individual words, which interferes with their ability to comprehend what is read. Before remediation can take place, it is critical that we assess the child to determine what sub-skill(s) may be causing reading comprehension issues.

The following questions will help you begin to determine the source(s) of your child’s reading comprehension problem:

Can your child understand a story if it is read to them? If so, the issue may lie in the reading (or decoding) of words.

Can they read aloud to you, yet not understand the story? If so, the issue may lie with fluency or vocabulary. If a student is using too much of their working memory space to decipher the words, they may not have room in their working memory to think about the text.

When you ask your child to describe the characters or setting do they merely restate the text? If so, the issue may be visualization. Not all students create “movies in their heads” when they read. Good comprehenders create detailed vivid “movies” to help them remember, retell and enjoy what they are reading. Some students need to be taught to visualize while they read.

The bottom line: kids like to do what they do well. If your child does not like to read, it’s time for a formal assessment.

How We Teach Reading Comprehension at Syllables Learning Center

At Syllables Learning Center, we target deficit areas while also teaching reading comprehension strategies. If reading is a task avoided at all costs, then it is likely your child needs help to become a better reader. Our goal is to create a confident successful reader who gains knowledge while enjoying reading. Learn More